The minimum wage is set to increase in October by 20p bringing it up to £6.70. It’s the largest real-terms increase to the rate since 2008 and is set to benefit 1.4 million workers.

Younger workers aged 18-20 will see a 17p rise, from £5.13 to £5.30 an hour, while those aged 16 to 17 will get an 8p boost, from £3.79 to £3.87 an hour.

The Low pay commission has recommended that the rate for apprentices should also increase in 2.6 per cent to £2.80 an hour. however the government has suggested that this should be increased by 20 per cent to £3.30. The rate applies to apprentices aged 16 to 18 and those aged 19 or over who are in their first year. All other apprentices are entitled to the National Minimum Wage for their age.

The government is also launching a consultation with businesses on the future minimum wage for apprentices.

The increase, yet to be accepted by the government, would apply from October.

There is a breakfast meeting taking place on 11th June 2014 between 8am (registration) 8.30am – 10.30am at The Sussex Exchange and is hosted by Barclays in partnership with Let’s Do Business. Attendees will include Barclays business customers as well as other local businesses and trade associations who are also interested in growth that supports local young people get into employment.

What?

Looking for an apprentice? This event will be good for your business if you do.

During this seminar, local businesses will have an opportunity to:

Find out more about apprenticeships and other employment pathways for young people

Explore the benefits of apprenticeships, traineeships and work experience share challenges, experiences and inspirational stories from local young people and their employers

Network and unite together to tackle youth unemployment

We’ll be sharing the findings of a government review on making apprenticeships more accessible to business. We’ll also be looking at the youth unemployment issue and how it impacts national and local economies.